Of course, Grupo Vida will perform many of its Tejano and country hits. Music starts at 8 p.m.; Grupo Vida hits the stage at 10:30.

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Why get involved in the craziness of a multiband lineup, especially a battle-of-the-bands show?

“We have to take care of each other,” Martinez said.

“We're giving them the opportunity to come out and show everybody what they've done. We're trying to help. It's been awhile since we've had anybody really new push through. We're just trying to find bands to take our places.”

In its small way, Friday's show addresses the criticism often hurled at Tejano — that it's stagnated, has not been invigorated with enough new blood that's actually nurtured and is suffering with hardening of the arteries.

“The only way we rise together is if we work together,” Martinez said. “It's important with these younger groups that we show them that's the most important thing in music in any genre.”

On the surface, there's no shortage of cooperation at this unusual show, though Martinez admits that “Vida is always doing something crazy and we're always doing something that someone doesn't like.”

Diaz made his name with the legendary show band La Sombra; Orosco is among those who works at the intersection of Tejano and country; Texas Latino plays “ballsy Tejano” with huge catchy hooks (“They have melody lines that scientifically stay in your brain,” said Martinez); Zavala, formerly with Mazz, offers the feminine touch.

Meanwhile, Grupo Vida/Electric Cowboys continues to balance its love of Tejano and country. A new album, “Heartaches and Highways” is expected this year.

“I'm going to be honest. A lot of people think that there's a lot of (prejudice) when it comes to Tejanos and country music, and that's not really what it is,” Martinez explained.

“If a Latino doesn't succeed, it's not really because of racism. It's more because of competition and there's always somebody willing to take your place. That's really the reason. There are so many great bands.”